Visiting a Friend Who Moved from Kanto to Kyoto
So, I recently visited a friend who moved from Kanto to Kyoto, and let me tell you, it was quite the adventure! My friend had been complaining about how crowded Kyoto
was and how they didn’t want to go sightseeing because of the overwhelming crowds. I was determined to find some quiet, relaxing spots where we could just chill and catch up without feeling like we were in the middle of a tourist stampede.
Looking for a Quiet and Relaxing Spot
I arrived in Kyoto a bit too early, as usual—my excitement always gets the better of me. I decided to kill some time by wandering around the station area, indulging in a few too many matcha-flavored snacks. (Seriously, how can anyone resist those?) When my friend finally arrived, we hugged and laughed about how I was already stuffed from snacking. We decided to head to the Philosopher’s Path, a place I’d heard was peaceful and less crowded. The path runs along a canal and is lined with cherry trees, though we were a bit late for the cherry blossoms. Still, the walk was serene, with the sound of the water and the occasional chirping of birds. We chatted about life, work, and how different Kyoto felt compared to Kanto. My friend admitted that they hadn’t explored much of Kyoto because of the crowds, so this was a nice change of pace. As we strolled, we stumbled upon a tiny, hidden tea house called Okochi Sanso. It was a bit of a climb up some stairs, but the view from the top was absolutely worth it. We sat on the wooden veranda, sipping on green tea and nibbling on wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). The garden was lush and tranquil, and we had the place almost to ourselves. It felt like we had stepped into a different world, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Later, we made our way to Shimogamo Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto. Unlike the more famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, Shimogamo was quiet and peaceful. We wandered through the forested paths, feeling the cool shade and the gentle breeze. My friend seemed to relax more here, and we even had a funny moment trying to figure out how to properly perform the purification ritual at the temizuya (water pavilion). Let’s just say we might have splashed more water on ourselves than intended! By the end of the day, my friend admitted that they had been too quick to judge Kyoto. They realized that there were indeed places where they could escape the crowds and just enjoy the city’s beauty. It was a heartwarming moment, and I felt like I had helped them see Kyoto in a new light.
Reflections and Invitations
Visiting Kyoto with my friend reminded me that sometimes, the best experiences come from stepping off the beaten path. It’s easy to get caught up in the popular tourist spots, but there’s so much more to discover if you’re willing to explore a little. And hey, if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed by the crowds, just remember that there’s always a quiet tea house or a hidden shrine waiting to welcome you. Have you ever found a hidden gem in Kyoto or any other city? Or maybe you have some tips for avoiding the crowds? I’d love to hear your stories and suggestions in the comments below! Let’s share our experiences and help each other discover the quieter, more peaceful side of travel.
